RAGBRAI: A Legendary Ride Across Iowa Every Cyclist Should Experience

-

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

photo of Iowa map with stops in one of the RAGBRAI routes,RAGBRAI The Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa

RAGBRAI: A Legendary Ride Across Iowa Every Cyclist Should Experience

RAGBRAI (The Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) is more than just a ride—it's a rite of passage for cyclists around the world. Held every summer, this seven-day adventure takes riders across the state of Iowa, from the Missouri River to the Mississippi River, and offers an unforgettable experience rich with community, challenge, and camaraderie.

📅 This Year's Ride: July 22–29

The 2024 RAGBRAI route, shown in the image below, winds through a series of small towns and rural communities, offering cyclists a chance to immerse themselves in the heart and hospitality of Iowa.

RAGBRAI 2024 Route

Alt text for route image:
Map showing the 2024 RAGBRAI route across Iowa from the Missouri River to the Mississippi River, with marked overnight towns.

🚴 Who Rides RAGBRAI?

Each year, 10,000 to 20,000 cyclists take part, coming from all corners of the globe. Riders range from seasoned touring cyclists to first-timers, drawn by the supportive environment and legendary vibe.

RAGBRAI is fully supported with:

  • Luggage transport

  • Bike mechanics

  • Medical teams

  • Food and drink vendors

  • Entertainment in each town

It’s a ride where you can focus on the journey—not the logistics.

🏕 Where Do Riders Sleep?

Each overnight town provides designated camping areas, complete with showers, restrooms, and rider services. For those wanting more comfort:

  • Local hotels and bed & breakfasts are available (but book quickly!)

  • Some host homes offer private space for riders who arrange it in advance

  • Charter services offer premium camping with tents already set up

🎒 How Does Gear Transport Work?

One of the best things about RAGBRAI is its daily baggage transport. Here’s how it works:

  • Drop your bag off at the designated truck each morning

  • Ride the day’s route

  • Pick up your bag at the next town when you arrive

You ride worry-free while your gear moves safely ahead of you.

🎟 What About Registration?

Due to its popularity, RAGBRAI uses a lottery system:

  • Registration opens in January

  • Riders submit their applications for individual or team entries

  • Selection is announced in early March

While the lottery can be nerve-wracking, it helps maintain balance, fairness, and accessibility.

😔 My Missed Chance—And a Future Goal

A couple of years ago, I was one of the lucky ones selected through the lottery. Unfortunately, a family emergency forced me to sell my spot. I still dream of riding RAGBRAI and experiencing it firsthand—it remains high on my bucket list.

✅ Final Thoughts

RAGBRAI is more than a ride—it's an Iowa tradition, a cyclist's dream, and one of the most welcoming, unique multi-day events you'll find anywhere. Whether you go for the community, the challenge, or just the fun, it's a ride that stays with you for life.

If you ever get the chance to do RAGBRAI, take it. You won’t regret it.


Location: Lubbock, TX, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. We may receive a small commission if you buy through links on this site — at no extra cost to you.

Subscribe

Popular posts from this blog

Does Cycling Make Sciatica Worse? What Cyclists Need to Know

-
Image
REAL CYCLIST INSIGHT: I’ve logged over 150,000 miles in the saddle. While I’ve never personally suffered from sciatica, I’ve ridden with plenty of cyclists who have — and I’ve paid close attention to what helped them keep going. Here's what I've learned from the road. Sciatica is no joke. The sharp, radiating pain that travels from your lower back down your leg can make everyday activities tough—let alone riding a bike. If you're a cyclist dealing with sciatica, you might be asking yourself: Is cycling helping me or making things worse? Like many things in health and fitness, the answer is: It depends. Cycling can both aggravate and relieve sciatic pain, depending on your riding position, bike setup, and the underlying cause of your symptoms. 🚫 When Cycling Might Make Sciatica Worse Cycling can contribute to sciatic nerve irritation under certain conditions: Prolonged Sitting: Long hours in the saddle—especially with a hard, narrow seat—can put direct pr...
Read more

Boost Your Focus and Mental Clarity with Cycling

-
Image
  Cycling for Focus and Mental Clarity: How Two Wheels Can Clear Your Mind We all know cycling is great for physical health, but did you know it can also sharpen your mind and improve your ability to focus? Whether you’re struggling with concentration, battling anxiety, or just looking for a mental reset, hopping on a bike may be one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to boost your brainpower. 🚴 How Cycling Improves Mental Focus Cycling isn’t just exercise — it’s a cognitive workout. Here’s how: 1. Increases Blood Flow to the Brain When you cycle, your heart rate rises and blood flow improves — especially to your brain. This delivers more oxygen and nutrients, which can enhance memory, focus, and decision-making . 2. Puts You in a Meditative State Cycling forces you to pay attention: to your breathing, your cadence, the road ahead. This state of flow quiets distractions and trains your brain to focus on the present moment. 3. Reduces Stress and Anxiety Riding a b...
Read more

Is 30 Minutes of Cycling a Day Enough to Lose Weight?

-
Image
Last updated August 7, 2025 Is 30 Minutes of Cycling a Day Enough to Lose Weight? I’ve been riding a bike for over 50 years. At times I was riding 30 minutes a day. Other times, I was doing 300. But no matter how many miles I logged, I could never get to a healthy weight and stay there. I blamed my age. I blamed my metabolism. I even blamed my bike. What I didn’t realize — not until much later — was that cycling alone wasn’t the problem. It was what I was doing off the bike that kept holding me back. So, is 30 minutes of cycling a day enough to lose weight? Yes — but only if you pair it with what it took me five decades to figure out . Here’s the truth that finally worked for me at 69 years old, after thousands of miles and a lot of trial and error. How Weight Loss Works At its core, weight loss comes down to burning more calories than you consume. Our bodies use calories for everything—from breathing to digestion to movement. When we eat more calories than we burn, we gain ...
Read more